CAGAYAN de Oro residents endured a prolonged heatwave since the weekend, as scorching temperatures and high heat indices gripped this Northern Mindanao city, prompting public health advisories and altering daily routines.
Temperatures consistently hovered in the mid-30s Celsius throughout the three-day period, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reporting peak heat indices that made conditions feel significantly hotter.
Heat index is a measure that combines air temperature and relative humidity to determine what the temperature feels like to the human body. Typically, a heatwave lasts for at least two consecutive days, but often much longer.
Yesterday, July 27, Pagasa said the heat index in the city was at 35.9 degrees Celsius with an air temperature of 31 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity was at 64 percent.
Today, July 28, Pagasa reported the heat index reached 40 degrees Celsius and is forecast to hit 39 degrees Celsius tomorrow, July 29.
The elevated heat index, which accounts for both temperature and humidity, posed a substantial risk of heat-related illnesses.
In its advisory, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) said a heat index ranging from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius brings the possibility of heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with sustained activity potentially resulting in heat stroke.
The intense heat led many residents here to seek refuge indoors, increasing demand for air conditioning and electric fans.
“Hassle kaayo sa akong part especially nga sa among booth is gamay kaayo, ma feel gyud nako ang kainit, lami kaayo maghulom sa tubig,” Irish Salcedo, who works as a lotto agent in Villanueva, said.
Due to the scorching heat, Justin Bagay, a senior high student in Barangay Bugo, canceled all his appointments in the city.
“As a student, the heat today is truly extreme and no longer normal. It feels like it could burn your skin and raise people’s blood pressure,” Bagay said.
Meanwhile, a climate justice advocate, Pat Jared Pangantihon, criticized Cagayan de Oro’s development strategy, asserting it prioritizes car-centric infrastructure and extensive tree removal.
“What do you expect? You cut trees, you carve hillsides to construct roads, and you do not plan for the city to be people-centric, instead make it car-centric,” Pangantihon said.
He added: “We are now reaping the results. There is nothing to dissipate the heat, instead trapping it inside our city.”
The City Health Office advised the public to limit the time spent outdoors, stay hydrated, and to use umbrella, wear hats, and sleeved light clothing to mitigate the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“We should not expose ourselves to the sun for prolonged periods between 10 am and 3 pm when the heat index is at its highest,” Dr. Rachel Dilla, CHO head said.
